This hearty and comforting soup is perfect for busy days when you need a quick, filling meal. Packed with ground beef, vegetables, and pasta, it’s an easy one-pot dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 ¾ cups mixed frozen vegetables
- 5 cups water
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup macaroni, uncooked
Instructions
- Brown the Beef – In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Add Soup Mix and Tomatoes – Stir in the onion soup mix, diced tomatoes (with juices), and water. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer the Vegetables – Add the frozen mixed vegetables and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let cook for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cook the Macaroni – Stir in the uncooked macaroni and continue simmering for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste the soup and add salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve Hot – Ladle into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- For Extra Flavor – Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make It Heartier – Swap macaroni for small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or even rice.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace the ground beef with canned beans or lentils.
- Slow Cooker Version – Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
More Ways to Enjoy Busy Day Soup
If you love the simplicity of this soup but want to mix things up, here are some creative ways to elevate the dish:
Serving Suggestions
- With Fresh Bread – Pair with homemade garlic bread, biscuits, or a crusty baguette for a complete meal.
- Topped with Cheese – Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or mozzarella on top for extra richness.
- With a Side Salad – A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the heartiness of the soup.
- Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes – For an even heartier meal, serve the soup over cooked rice or mashed potatoes.
Customizations and Add-ins
- Make It Creamy – Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a can of evaporated milk at the end for a creamy texture.
- Boost the Protein – Add canned beans (kidney, black, or chickpeas) or extra cooked meat like shredded chicken or turkey.
- Extra Veggies – Toss in fresh spinach, kale, bell peppers, or zucchini for more nutrients.
- Spice It Up – Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes for some heat.
- Use Different Pasta – Try shell pasta, bowties, or rotini instead of macaroni.
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze – Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.